Where can I travel without a passport? Discover these 6 destinations.
With the easing of travel restrictions in many countries and the tally of COVID-19 cases in the United States, international travel is expected to resume this summer.
But for those who don’t have a passport yet, don’t expect to fly to Rome or Paris anytime soon.
Routine wait times for a passport are eight to 11 weeks, and that doesn’t include mailing times, according to the State Department. Paying a $60 fee can speed up the process, but travelers will still have to wait five to seven weeks for processing.
Fortunately, not all destinations require US tourists to carry a passport. Here are some popular destinations you can visit without the document.
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The story continues below.
Puerto Rico Passport Requirements
Puerto Rico, a US territory and popular Caribbean destination, is about as easy to reach as any state if you have state-issued ID.
The island does not require a passport for U.S. citizens and, as of March 10, domestic travelers do not need to show proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test to enter.
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US Virgin Islands Passport Requirements
The US Virgin Islands, another Caribbean destination, allows domestic travelers entry without a passport.
“If you are a US citizen, a passport is not required, but it is still the best form of identification when traveling,” says the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism website. “Otherwise, you should be prepared to show proof of citizenship when leaving the islands, such as a birth certificate with an embossed seal and government-issued photo ID.”
Domestic travelers 5 years and older must submit a negative coronavirus test or proof of full immunization status and use the USVI Travel Screening Portal to enter.
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Northern Mariana Islands Passport Requirements
Passports are not required to visit the Northern Mariana Islands, an American Commonwealth made up of 14 islands, including Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Since February 8, all travelers must complete a mandatory health declaration form and upload their vaccination record before entry.
Unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for at least five days and should get tested five days after arriving at a community testing site. If the test is positive, they must quarantine for another five days.
Guam passport requirements
The Guam Visitors Bureau says U.S. citizens must present a U.S. passport, but photo ID and proof of citizenship may be accepted “on a case-by-case basis.”
Travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or can show proof of a negative coronavirus test before departure are exempt from a 10-day quarantine.
Visitors must also complete the Guam Electronic Declaration Form within 72 hours of arrival.
Canadian passport requirements
According to the Canadian government’s website, citizens who are members of the NEXUS program, which fast-tracks entry for pre-screened travellers, can present their membership as proof of identity when travelling.
Travelers who do not have a passport can apply for a NEXUS card but will be able to use it only at land or sea crossings, not at airports.
The NEXUS application processing fee is $50 for a five-year membership, and children under 18 can apply free of charge. The average application process takes six months, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Additionally, the State Department says travelers under 16 do not need a passport to enter Canada; they only need proof of US citizenship.
Only fully vaccinated US travelers may enter Canada for tourism purposes.
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Closed Loop Cruise Passport Requirements
Travelers on closed-loop cruises — crossings that depart and end at the same U.S. port and travel within the Western Hemisphere — don’t need passports, according to Customs and Border Protection.
US citizens can enter or leave the country with proof of citizenship (such as a passport, enhanced driver’s license, or government-issued birth certificate). If under the age of 16, a US citizen may present their birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad.
Customs and Border Protection says U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises can enter or exit a county on the cruise with proof of citizenship, but some destination countries “may require” a passport.
“In these cases, cruise lines would require passengers to have a valid passport to board even though it is not a US requirement,” the agency’s website says. “You should check with your cruise ship, travel agent and destination country to confirm entry requirements for foreign countries you will be visiting.”
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Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Do I need a passport to go there? Not for these destinations.
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